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Batavia, Illinois — Est. 2023
Water Street Studios Public Art Initiative is transforming our city — wall by wall, mural by mural — into a living gallery along the Fox River.
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Public Murals
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Local Artists
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Past Pop-Up Galleries
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Potential Sites
Audio Overview
Painting the City of Good Energy
The story behind Batavia's public art movement
About the Initiative
The Water Street Studios Public Art Initiative is a sub-committee of Water Street Studios, dedicated to immersing art within the community. We believe art should live where people live — on the riverwalk, along downtown corridors, and in the spaces where neighbors gather.
Establish a sense of community in Batavia and the greater Fox Valley through outdoor art installations that celebrate diverse local voices.
Increase public awareness, appreciation, and contribution of public art — making creativity accessible and visible to everyone.
Connect people to the beauty, diversity, and importance of the Fox River through art that celebrates our natural surroundings.
Build community pride, honor Batavia's past, and inspire a shared sense of belonging and responsibility for the future.
Completed & Upcoming
Eight framed murals on City Hall's east-facing windows overlooking the Fox River and Riverwalk. A partnership with The Conservation Foundation celebrating the beauty and diversity of the Fox River through the eyes of local artists.
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Window Murals
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Local Artists
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A 24' × 20' mural welcoming visitors to "The City of Good Energy." Fun, playful, bright, and colorful — featuring people biking, walking, and gathering along the river. A mural painted by the community, for the community.
24×20
Feet of Mural
35+
Artist Applications
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A larger-than-life celebration of color and nature — an energetic collage of pink Wave Petunias with interactive, photo-worthy features. Going #BeyondTheBloom in the heart of downtown Batavia.
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Lead Artist
2023
Unveiled
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A permanent mural on Batavia City Hall's west-facing limestone bays — six arched civic "story frames" celebrating how residents live the ideals of democracy. Funded by a $15,000 Illinois Arts Council grant for America's 250th Anniversary.
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Past Exhibitions
Small Wonders
Original works under $1,000
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Gratitude
Exploring thankfulness through art
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Rebirth
Themes of renewal and transformation
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Beyond The Bloom
Floral and botanical works
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Pop-up galleries formerly hosted at Bar Evolution — 27 N River St, Batavia (now closed)
See It Come to Life
The making of Batavia's 24' × 20' community mural — painted by the community, for the community.
A larger-than-life celebration of color and nature in the heart of downtown Batavia.
For Artists
We believe in open, competitive selection processes with no cost barriers to apply. Whether you're an emerging voice or an established muralist, Batavia wants to see your vision on our walls.
Permanent outdoor mural across six arched limestone bays on Batavia City Hall. Illinois-based artists with experience in large-scale public artworks. Translate historical and civic themes into compelling contemporary visual narratives.
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BPAI hosted rotating themed exhibitions at Bar Evolution in downtown Batavia. Open submissions with accessible price points brought original art into an everyday community gathering space.
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Open Call Published
Request for Qualifications distributed with no cost to apply
Jury Review
Selection committee of city reps, BPAI members, and arts professionals
Community Engagement
Preliminary sketches shared for public feedback
Installation
Artist-led painting with volunteer community support
Get Involved
Every mural we create is painted by the community, for the community. No experience required — just good energy and a willingness to pick up a brush.
Join AM or PM shifts during mural installations. Help fill in designs, clean brushes, and be part of something lasting. Ages 14+ welcome. Weekend slots available for students.
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Serve on the BPAI committee. Roles include fundraising, site logistics, marketing, press writing, outreach coordination, and event planning. Two-year terms.
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Invest in Public Art
With 46 potential mural sites identified across downtown Batavia, we're just getting started. Your support fuels artist compensation, materials, and the infrastructure that turns blank walls into community landmarks.
$5K+
Premier Sponsor
Prominent logo on mural plaque, press recognition, unveiling event feature, and community brand association with Batavia's public art story.
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$2.5K
Major Sponsor
Logo recognition on mural plaques, acknowledgment in press releases and social media, and public recognition at unveiling events.
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$500
Community Sponsor
Name recognition on project materials and social media shoutouts. Supporting the artists and infrastructure that make public art possible.
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Any
Individual Supporter
Every dollar counts. Donations of $30+ receive a limited edition print. In-kind donations also welcome.
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Tax deductible. Batavia Artists Association NFP Inc (dba Water Street Studios) is a registered Illinois not-for-profit. All contributions support artist compensation, materials, and community programming.
Made Possible By
The Baumgartner Family
Dave Morris & Jessica Jecmen
The People Behind the Murals
Co-Chairs
Co-Chair
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Co-Chair
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Members
Outreach & Galleries
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Budget & Civic Liaison
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Fundraising & Press
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Strategy & Logistics
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Project Manager
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Marketing & Brand
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Budget & Merch
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Content Architect
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Voices & Press
Powered By
The Water Street Studios Public Art Initiative lives inside one of the Chicagoland suburbs' most remarkable creative institutions — a historic 16,000 sq ft limestone building, originally built in the 1890s as a windmill factory, later repurposed for WWII shell manufacturing, and now home to 30 resident artists, a thriving School of Art, and nearly 10,000 annual visitors.
Best Gallery ’19
Three distinct exhibition spaces with rotating monthly shows. Free Second Fridays every month — 6 to 9 PM.
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Ages 5 & Up
Ceramics, painting, printmaking, jewelry-making, and more. 340+ students from 35 communities — year-round programs for all ages.
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Year-Round
Writers series, holiday art markets, community days, Fox River Arts Ramble. Something for everyone, every season.
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501(c)(3) Nonprofit
Your donation sustains 26 resident artists, free community programming, and the public art transforming Batavia's streets.
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“
Water Street Studios is an amazing cultural asset in the Chicagoland area. The education of the next generation of American artists is vitally important to a well-rounded society and Water Street Studios is at the front line of making sure that art and personal expression are supported and encouraged in our community.
Austin Dempsey
President — Batavia Enterprises Inc.
